Moss stays to boost Victoria

Victoria have finally received some good news during a severely troubled off-season with Jon Moss, the allrounder, deciding to remain in Melbourne. Moss had asked for a release to return to his home state New South Wales, but the exit of Matthew Elliott, who won a grievance tribunal hearing allowing him to transfer to South Australia, swayed Moss to stay a Bushranger.

Moss, who is currently playing for Derbyshire, said the team needed stability despite his and his wife's desire to head to Sydney. "After carefully weighing up all our options I felt that I owed Cricket Victoria and the coaching staff some loyalty given the opportunities they have provided," he said.

Offered a chance for a first-class career, Moss left Sydney grade cricket for Melbourne and became a valuable part of the state set-up as they won the Pura Cup in 2003-04. Last season was more of a struggle as he collected 401 runs at 25.06 and 11 wickets at 32.9 , but Victoria were happy to keep a familiar face as Brad Hodge, Ian Harvey and Mathew Inness also consider their options.

"It was a tough decision but with the departure of Elliott I felt we needed some stability," he said. Victoria are finalising their contract list for 2005-06 and will lodge the initial squad with Cricket Australia by June 10.